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New Yorkers are fond of the "work hard, play hard" maxim, but the truth is, Gothamites don't need much of an excuse to hit the town. Any day of the week could easily be mistaken for a Friday or Saturday; the bottom line is that when the the mood strikes, there are always plenty of choices in this 24-hour city. Whether it's raising a glass in a historic saloon, a dimly lit cocktail den, or a swanky rooftop lounge; checking out the latest band; or laughing it up at a comedy show, it isn't hard for visitors to get a piece of the action.
The nightlife scene still resides largely downtown—in the dives and speakeasies of the East Village and Lower East Side, the classic jazz joints and piano bars of the West Village, and the Meatpacking District's and Chelsea's "see-and-be-seen" clubs. Midtown, especially around Hell's Kitchen, has developed a vibrant scene, too, and plenty of upscale hangouts dot the Upper East and Upper West Sides. Brooklyn and Harlem are go-to destinations for in-the-know locals.
Keep in mind that when you go is just as important as where you go. A club that is packed at 11 pm might empty out by midnight, and a bar that raged last night may be completely empty tonight. Time Out New York magazine has a good list of roving parties (www.timeout.com/newyork), as does Urban Daddy (www.urbandaddy.com/new-york). Scour industry-centric websites, too, like Eater and Grub Street, which catalog the comings and goings of many a nightlife impresario. New York magazine and the New York Times have listings of cabaret and jazz shows, the latter mainly in its Friday and Sunday Arts sections. Bear in mind that a venue's life span is often measured in months, not years. Phone ahead or check online to make sure your target hasn't closed or turned into a polka hall (although, you never know—that could be fun, too).
This legendary theater with art deco accents is probably the city's top midsize concert venue. Packing in the crowds here is a rite of passage for musicians (some already big; some on the cusp of stardom). Grab one of the tables on the balcony (if you can), stand (and get sandwiched) on the main floor, or retreat to the comfortable bar in the basement, which fills up after each show.
With multiple performers at each of the three intimate venues, there's so much to hear here. Expect music of all types, often from bands or soloists just passing through the city. The lineup usually starts around 6 or 7 pm and runs 'til around midnight—meaning you can get your live music fix and catch up on sleep, too. There's typically one stage with no cover charge, making Rockwood a great spot to just drop in.
A sensation when it opened in 2007, Simon Hammerstein's Roaring '20s–style cabaret–cum–burlesque show–cum–performance art emporium remains one of the biggest players in any nightlife category. The triumvirate of gorgeousness—design, customers, and performers—explains why the experience doesn't come cheap. Check the website to make reservations and prepare for a late night.
Crowds of youngsters and longtime New Yorkers have been packing into Arlene's since 1995 for live rock-and-roll, as well as the occasional variety shows, burlesque, live-band karaoke. The drinks are cheap, and the vibe is all about the good times.
In the space that was once home to the legendary cocktail bar Milk & Honey, Attaboy continues the tradition of serving exemplary cocktails to an ultratrendy crowd. The "Penicillin" cocktail, a spicy-smoky mix of Scotch, honey, and ginger, is a must here—it was invented by Sam Ross, one of the current owners. Hint: There's no sign but look for the door marked with "AB."
At this stylish spot from an alum of the Pegu Club, one of the city's foremost cocktail dens, you can expect high-quality, innovative concoctions that make use of the Japanese theme: the Sakura martini is made with sake, gin, maraschino, and cherry blossom, while the Kyoto old-fashioned incorporates rice vodka, gin matcha, and sencha. Small plates to accompany your drinks include miso-slathered wings and savory cabbage pancakes.
You have to squeeze past the sardine-packed hipsters in the front bar to reach the stage, but it's worth it. Not only does this top-quality venue specialize in cool bands on the indie scene, but it was also where the late, great Jeff Buckley used to stop by to do spontaneous solo shows. Other big-name musicians follow in his footsteps with occasional pop-up shows of their own.
With two venues for live music and DJs—the Showroom downstairs and the Upstairs Lounge—as well as a full bar that serves food downstairs, there's something for everyone at this neighborhood staple. Weekends and late nights are especially happening.
From the palm-studded rooftop deck (heated in winter, breezy in summer) to the ground-floor lounge and down to the basement venue where DJs and rock bands hold court, the multifaceted Delancey, at the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge, is a versatile spot for thirsty lounge lizards.
Manhattan's preeminent venue for burlesque, magic, and the "circus arts," has been showcasing the city's talented performers since 1999 and it's still going strong. Some shows have reserved seating, with a two-drink minimum, others are general admission, and the intimate space seats about 200 over two floors. Bring dollar bills to tip the performers.
When The Ten Bells opened back in 2008, the unusual wine list attracted people in the wine industry and wine nerds, as well as locals who loved the $1 oysters (still a thing) and tapas-style food. Now that natural wines have become trendy, the dark cozy space is busier than ever—and the happy hour is just as inviting.
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